The Oregon Marbled Murrelet Project at Oregon State University is hiring two (2) Crew Leads from 9 April – mid-August 2018 (start and end dates may be flexible) for a large-scale, collaborative investigation of space use and nest success of the federally threatened Marbled Murrelet. In the early season (April-May), crew leads will assist with capture and tagging of murrelets at night on the open ocean. For the duration of the season (May-August), crew leads will manage crews and lead field work using radio telemetry, audio and visual equipment, vegetation sampling, and observational survey techniques to collect data on nesting and space use.

Crews will be stationed in shared field housing on the central Oregon coast. The field schedule will be variable and includes long days, very early mornings, and night work, with limited time off. Extensive driving is required on unimproved forest roads with active logging, as well as through paved but busy tourist towns. The use of CB radios is required and all safety training is provided. Field work occurs in all weather conditions. Wind, fog, rain, biting/stinging insects, and poison oak will be encountered on a regular basis. All personnel should expect to carry loads of 50 lbs or more. Work will occur solo and in pairs depending on the nature of the work. Some travel out of state may be required.

Compensation is a monthly salary (range: $3,000 – 3,300, based on experience), plus shared field housing and use of 4-wheel drive vehicles for work activities.

Job Duties:

Leadership:

Supervise and manage field crews under difficult field conditions

Use sound judgement, make decisions and communicate clearly under challenging field conditions

Coordinate and communicate effectively with other field crew members and supervisors verbally and in writing. This includes regularly responding to voicemails, texts and emails throughout the season

Ensure safety measures are followed by all crew members, including check-in/check-out procedures

Attend and contribute to weekly planning meetings

Delegate tasks including regular cleaning and maintenance of shared housing, vehicles and gear

Create complex schedules

Use shared calendars, white boards and other tools

Incorporate unforeseen tasks and compensate for mishaps on the fly

Balance competing priorities that change over the course of the season

Other duties as assigned

Field Work:

Assist with night-time at-sea capture, banding, bleeding, and tagging of marbled murrelets in the nearshore Pacific Ocean from a large research vessel

Train and supervise field crews in data collection and protocols

Participate in all field data collection:

Ground-based VHF radio telemetry from established stations and remote, mountainous, densely forested terrain

Minimum Qualifications: Applicants should have a B.S. degree in wildlife biology or a related field and a minimum of 1-2 years of supervisory experience (2 summer jobs = 2 years of experience). U.S. Citizenship, a valid state driver’s license and a clean driving record are required for this position. Applicants must have normal vision and hearing.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience handling, banding, bleeding, and tagging birds, working effectively on boats in an ocean environment, conducting Marbled Murrelet inland surveys, using radio-telemetry in difficult terrain, and/or working in forests of the Pacific Northwest.

To apply: Applicants should create a single PDF or MS-Word file that contains: (1) a cover letter specifically addressing your qualifications as they relate to the duties and qualifications described in the position description; (2) a full-length resume or CV; and (3) the names and contact information (email and telephone) of three references who may be contacted. Email this document to osumamujobs@gmail.com with “MAMU CREW LEAD Application 2018” in the subject line. Questions may be addressed to the same email. Positions will be filled on a rolling basis.